Lot 293 - 1973 Porsche 911 2.4S

The Porsche 911S represented the pinnacle of Porsche's sportscar programme in the early 1970s. The 'S' was fitted with the final development of the free revving 2.4 litre, type 911/53 engine producing 190bhp. The transmission also benefitted from the new 915 five-speed gearbox, which was stronger and offered an improved gear change. The 'aero' package was improved by fitting a front valance spoiler thus improving front-end stability. Coupled with Porsche's total domination of the World Sportscar Championship and Steve McQueen's endorsement in the film, 'Le Mans', they could do no wrong with the now iconic 911S and its derivatives.

This lefthand drive Porsche was supplied new by Beverly Hills Porsche to a Dr. Harold Luke of Los Angeles on the 21st August 1973. Dr. Luke purchased this as one of the very last 73 models because he preferred the shape to the 1974 model impact bumper cars that were to follow. It is not clear how long Dr. Luke kept the car, but it did get repainted in its original colour of silver before being presented at the Monterey auction around the turn of the millennium, where it was purchased by Mr Randy Wells. Seattle lawyer Mark Carlson purchased the car in 2002 from Randy Wells and then set about a thorough restoration programme to return the car to the exact visual specification it was supplied with in 1973. This included sourcing many genuine ‘new old stock’ and restored parts as possible including new Repa seat belts, a restored RS steering wheel and new door pockets. The original Recaro sports seats were restored to their correct specification and a correct tool kit and restored spare wheel were also sourced.

Where appropriate, the suspension and brakes were uprated including larger front and rear anti-roll bars, torsion bars, stiffer bushes and an aluminium sub-frame brace. A factory Leistrtz silencer was also fitted. The gearbox was rebuilt by Rennsport systems, while the mechanical fuel injection was restored by Gus Pfister of Pacific Injection. Remarkably aside from a cosmetic repaint, there is no evidence to suggest any major restoration work has ever taken place, with all the original factory paint still in place under the carpets, bonnet area, engine compartment and detailed bills, confirming the work carried out during this time.

Due to a change of circumstances, the car was sold to a Porsche collector, Charles (Chip) Bell in 2006. Chip continued its mechanical and cosmetic restoration and had the engine completely rebuilt before taking an opportunity to trade it for a rare 356 he had been looking for in 2010. During its time in America, it had continued recorded maintenance before being purchased by European importer Dirk Libeert, who replaced the American specification lights and bumpers and kept it for two years before selling it to a UK based enthusiast John Whittaker. John was an experienced classic car owner; he liked the way this 911 drove and further tweaked the suspension / geometry to make this a really sharp and tactile car to drive. He kept the car in a dehumidified garage and used it sparingly on road trips, but became concerned over its increased value. The car was soon purchased by Andrew Jones, a very discerning client who had looked at a number of cars before purchasing this example for use in France. Contact with the factory confirmed that this was a fully matching numbers example, in its original colours.

The current vendor is a classic car enthusiast and is very knowledgeable when it comes to Porsche. Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and finished in Metallic Silver with black interior, this outstanding lefthand drive Porsche 911 2.4S is supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 21st August 2018 together with a very impressive history file. A fantastic opportunity to secure a superb 911S with matching numbers, that drives every bit as well as it looks.

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Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lot prior to the sale. Buyers are advised to inspect the car in person or use a professional to carry out this service.